History of The Internet

history of the internet

A Guide To The History Of The Internet

The 21st century has become known as the era of the internet with more and more people spending time online. Living in this digital age is beneficial because we have all types of information at our fingertips; however, it can also be viewed as detrimental because society is losing the ability to function without digital means. This article will examine the internet and discuss the history of the internet as a concept.

What Is The Internet?

In its most simplistic form, the internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks each using a set protocol to reach billions of individuals. Initially, the internet was utilized as part of a network to link scientists to the US Department of Defense. However, as the years progressed and networks of networks were established, the internet became an average protocol available to the everyday user.

While the terms ‘world wide web‘ and ‘the internet’ are used interchangeably, they are not the same thing. The world wide web is a mass hypermedia database or collection or resources connected to each other via hyperlinks. In comparison, the internet is a form of software and hardware infrastructure enabling the computer and document interconnectivity. Imagine the web as a type of platform allowing navigation of the internet using browsers, such as Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome.

What Is The Internet Timeline?

The internet timeline indicates the evolution of the internet over years; thereby, taking a glance at the past happenings and what lies ahead in the digital future as our world changes. This timeline is detailed below.

• 1957 – The USSR launches Sputnik and the USA creates an Advanced Research Projects Agency as a response to the act. This is done with the aim of being the leaders in new technology.

• 1962 – The ‘galactic network’ concept is proposed by MIT and initial ideas regarding a global network of computers are introduced by JCR Licklider.

• 1968 – The Advanced Research Projects Agency contracts work to the BBN and they are called upon to develop the first switched network.

• 1972 – BBN’s Ray Tomlinson develops the first online program dedicated to sending and receiving emails. The Advanced Research Projects Agency also changes its name to the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).

• 1973 – Computers start running using network control protocol and utilize the same network for communication.

• 1974 – Bob Kahn and Vinton Cerf from DARPA and Stanford respectively refer to the network system as the internet.